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Julia A. Pucci

Divorce and separation Attorney at West Dundee, IL

3.9   19 reviews

also known as Pucci|Rhody LLC

  • Licensed for 18 years
    State IL
    Acquired 2005
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Julia

Learn Julia’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    60%

    17 years, 10,000 cases

  2. Real estate
    20%

    11 years, 400 cases

  3. Estate planning
    10%

    6 years, 100 cases

  4. Family
    10%

    17 years, 1,000 cases

Julia A. Pucci, managing partner with Pucci|Rhody LLC, focuses her practice in the areas of divorce, custody, real estate and estate planning matters. Ms. Pucci attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois where she received a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Sociology and Political Science. Ms. Pucci subsequently earned her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. During her law school career, Julia taught legal research and writing as a teaching assistant and was also active in the mediation clinic where she obtained her mediation certification. As a certified mediator, she mediated court-ordered child custody matters and assisted parents in drafting parenting and custody agreements. After being admitted to the Bar, Ms. Pucci was employed as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the County of McHenry where she worked in the civil division, enforced child support orders and handled other civil matters for the County. Ms. Pucci was then employed with a large Schaumburg firm where she concentrated her practice on domestic relations matters and continued to do so as a partner with Schwarz & Pucci, LLC, Pucci|Pirtle, LLC, and now Pucci|Rhody, LLC.

Ms. Pucci obtained advanced training in mediation and firmly believes that mediation is an avenue that many parties faced with tough domestic relations issues may benefit from, both in the area of custody matters and also financial issues. Because of her training, she is more proficient in negotiating fair settlements for her clients. However, Ms. Pucci also understands quite well that some matters simply cannot be settled by way of mediation or other negotiation tactics and thus, if the matter must be litigated, she has a strong courtroom presence and is well respected by the Court.

Ms. Pucci approaches every case with the goal of problem solving while understanding that each client has a unique set of circumstances. She works closely with her clients throughout the legal process; she is very proficient at finding reasonable and practical solutions in each of her cases, though if the matter proceeds to trial, she is a skilled litigator. Ms. Pucci’s creativity, intelligence and thoroughness afford her the ability to finalize matters expeditiously and with outcomes that are understandable and satisfactory to her clients. Julia is respected by both her clients and peers and has earned a reputation of excellence.

In addition to her advanced negotiations skills, Ms. Pucci is also a known for her abilities as guardian ad litem in custody disputes. Through her strong voice and understanding Ms. Pucci tirelessly supports the position that is in the best interest of the children. Ms. Pucci gives every investigation her utmost attention using her steadfast dedication to ensure the right outcome.

Ms. Pucci was honored by her appointment to serve on the Illinois State Bar Association’s Family Law Section Council, a body that helps create seminars for continuing legal education, drafts and reviews proposed and pending legislation, contributes to the Section newsletters and, overall, attempts to affect a positive difference in the overall legal community.

Further, Ms. Pucci is involved in the Kane County Bar Association, the McHenry County Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. She is also involved in other non-for profit organizations as well as being dedicated to her own family in her personal time.

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Contact Julia

Similar lawyers nearby

Pucci Rhody LLC
107 S 1st St
West Dundee, IL, 60118

Reviews

3.9 / 5.0
  19 customer reviews
5 Star
 
74%
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26%
Posted by Sarah | September 7, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Divorce is never easy but Julia and her team made things as simple as possible. She helped me navigate custody with a difficult ex and guided me through the entire process. Highly recommend.
Posted by Mary | December 20, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Divorce Attorney
Julia Pucci has proven to be an excellent choice in my search for a caring and personable divorce attorney. While the process itself is daunting, Julia was very approachable and willing to explain what and why something was happening. She has an excellent grasp of the law, and her integrity is without question. With Julia's expertise and due diligence, she and her team have been able to assist me through a very difficult time. I feel fortunate to have had her as my attorney.
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Posted by Mary | December 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce Attorney
I've heard countless stories of acquaintances being poorly or under represented during their divorce. This was not going to be me. I needed someone to lookout and fight for me and my 4 young children. This is exactly what I got, while working with Julia Pucci. Julia was very knowledgeable of the laws. She was aggressive, when need be, yet maintains a empathetic bedside manner. Julia is not just a divorce attorney, she's a wife and mother...she get's it. When my whole world was turning upside down, Julia was my beacon of knowledge, expertise and common sense...explaining & guiding me each step of the way. I will continue to refer Julia Pucci to anyone in search of a divorce attorney. Mary W
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Posted by anonymous | October 25, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Supportive
Julia was an extremely professional and supportive attorney. She offered advice and counsel even before I hired her. She was fair and equitable with the terms and was in my corner the entire case. Divorces are very difficult, emotionally draining and ardous and she and her office supported me through the entire process. I recommend her with out any hesitation.
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Posted by Scott | October 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
No nonsense, respectable and ethical
Julia and her team are outstanding! From the initial meeting they were responsive to my calls, questions and concerns. She was very responsive to emails, even after hours. She was incredibly understanding to all my needs and requests. All issues were handled professionally and timely. I would highly recommend her to anyone! Kudos also to her Paralegal Shawna, who was such a pleasure to work with.
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Posted by Nathan | October 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gets things done
Julie has done a great job handling my case. She has done in a short time what my previous lawyer failed to do in 4 years. She is easy to contact and really listens to what you're saying. If you are frustrated and are looking for a caring attorney call Julie.
Posted by anonymous | October 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce attorney review
Julia was truly wonderful to work with. She was always on top of what needed to get done and ready to answer any questions I may have had. Julia is very professional and is quick to respond. I would recommend Julia to anyone who needs an attorney in her line of work.
Posted by Cheryl | October 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
Julia was always on top of things and was very tidious with all aspects of my case! She was very understanding and compassionate during this difficult time.
Posted by Tracey | September 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
Julia Pucci was very informative from our first consultation by explaining every step of my divorce process. She was patient and sensitive. Highly exceeded my expections. She was respectful and first class.
Posted by Victoria | April 7, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I am very grateful a friend recommended I visit Julia Pucci about getting divorced
I remember walking into the Pucci Pirtle office and feeling very unsure about what to do to protect my children and how to handle my husband leaving us abruptly. I am so grateful she understood and immediately explained what I needed to do to protect my children and myself legally/financially. Mrs.Pucci recommended a therapist to help me through this difficult time. I really had no idea how difficult it would be to go through something like this and I appreciated the help. Her support through the legal process got me through those tough moments. I did not have a very amicable divorce. Mrs. Pucci went to bat for me and I was never worried. I knew she was doing everything legally possible to make sure my children and I were getting help through the courts. With Mrs. Pucci, along with Thomas Spencer and Julie Pirtle I was able to finalize my divorce and can now start to move forward with my children. I highly recommend Mrs Pucci and the Pucci Pirtle office.
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Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Julia Pucci Review - highly recommended
Julia Pucci was professional and was very helpful during my divorce process. She provided me with all the information necessary to fully understand what I was entitled to, and explained what all my options were. She followed up in a very timely manner and her services allowed me to move forward without any doubts and confidence.
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Posted by Charles | November 5, 2014
Very sharp and very focused on doing what's right.
Julia is a straight-forward attorney who knows well what can and should happen, and works hard to make it happen. My ex-wife's attorney blew everything out of proportion and made what should have been a relatively simple settlement anything but simple. Julia kept it on track, fought (and won) for what was fair, and also fought (and won) whenever my ex stepped out of line. She was very willing to tell me the hard stuff -- you know, things I didn't want to hear. But she was also tenacious at securing the things that she knew were rightfully mine.
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Posted by Allison | May 14, 2013
I couldn't have gotten through this phase in my life without Julia.
I was devastated when my husband told me he wanted a divorce. A friend referred me to Julia and I am so happy that I contacted her. From the minute I sat down in her office, she made me feel empowered. Through her I found my voice and I was finally able to stand up for what I deserve. I got what I wanted in the divorce and I feel stronger than ever.
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Posted by Tina | April 21, 2013
I refer everyone to Julia
Julia knows the law, backward and forward. Not only that, but I trust her implicitly and she is well-respected by the Court and her peers. She kept me in the loop and she made sure I was involved during the entire process. I could not have asked for a better attorney during a very difficult time.
Posted by anonymous | December 8, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recent Experience
I do not recommend working with the Pucci law team. I am extremely disturbed by how my case was handled and I would highly encourage you to look elsewhere if you want your case handled ethically and timely.
Posted by Jennifer | January 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Just don't. Keep looking.
I would not recommend Julia Pucci to represent you in your divorce unless you have an unlimited supply of money to pay her until the end. My first meeting with her I look back on now and feel she looked over all my financial information and the circumstances of my case to assess whether she would get paid. I don't feel my interests were fought for or taken into account on any level. Once the money and potential for money were gone, so was she. I sat across from her in her fancy new office as she made mention of her hair salon side hustle at our first meeting and told me to take a Xanax at our second and only other in person meeting. I don't know much about being a lawyer, but I am a human being. Someone going through the stress and pain of a divorce doesn't care about your extra side business, FYI. But thanks for giving me an idea of why things have dragged and why MY needs weren't being met. They are fee generators, plain and simple. My experience with my divorce has been one of the hardest I've ever been through and my choice of her as my lawyer contributed to that. At about the year and 3 month mark I recv’d an email on July 3rd at 4:38pm with her 'Motion to Withdraw" from my case.  She was uncertain of the risk vs. benefit reward of continuing to represent me stating a 'material breakdown of communication'. My balance was growing due to the outrageous length of time it was taking with no progress in getting me where I wanted to be. Divorced! By the time I recv’d this email it was well after they were gone to be with their families for the holiday weekend. I had no hope of discussing this with anyone until the following Monday, July 8th!!! It still shocks me anyone would do this to someone. Especially a law firm that claims to "treat each client as family'. No, that isn't how you treat family. I scraped together enough money to keep her on as my lawyer in July 2019 only to have the same thing happen 3 months later at the end of October 2019. I'm now STILL not divorced and sans lawyer as well. So please, you're going to come across their website & possibly get impressed with how it's presented. You're going to see pictures of a team of women who are posed to look confident and willing to fight for you. You're going to step foot in their office for the first time and notice the newness of everything, even the smell. (You'll be paying for it! Don't let if fool you!) You're going to sit across from them looking for help and answers. All they are going to do is look at you with dollar signs in their eyes while they pretend to care and 'treat you like family'. I needed compassion and understanding and I received none. I don't doubt they have many success stories, but they certainly failed me. I write this review to prevent what happened to me for over a year and half from happening to another person. I am now left to represent myself, get myself child support (after a year and half!), and finally get myself divorced. I walk away feeling used and taken advantage of. I've wasted time and thousands of dollars. It all comes down to money for this law firm. They quit on me when I needed them the most. Also, as a side note, if you've read other reviews as I have, you'll notice a constant reoccurring theme among Pucci and Pirtle's comments back to commenters. For example, "Family law proceedings are so emotionally charged and can be very stressful for all parties involved" and 'Family law proceedings can be highly emotionally charged and it is impossible to make everyone happy'. As well as on their website: The 'emotions' involved in divorce. The 'emotional toll' it takes. My reason for mentioning this is it's an easy way for them to put our dissatisfaction back on us for being emotional. Don't fall for that either! Of course we're emotional! My advice is to take a breath and try to clear your head. Research many lawyers. Seek out free legal advice wherever it's available. Ask friends. I chose wrong. Very wrong. Don't do the same.
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Posted by anonymous | October 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Would not recommend
I did not feel comfortable working with this firm. I found Julia difficult to communicate with.
Response from Julia Pucci October 7, 2019
I am sorry to hear that you had some communication issues with my firm and myself. Unfortunately, I am unable to comment further or address these issues without knowing the person leaving this review or if you were indeed one of my clients. I encourage you to call my office or email me to discuss further. Thank you.
Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING PUCCI
After reading reviews and meeting with Julia Pucci she gave me the impression she was going to help me with a very challenging divorce and custody dispute. Once Julia received her retainer from me of $3,500 she was not the same toward me. Anything she asked for I got to her within hours BUT when I had a question for her it was either unanswered or answered hours later in legal jargon that I had no idea what to make of it. I am very vulnerable at this point and I am beyond a loss for what I have experienced with Julia Pucci. On top of fighting for my kids, a bitter divorce, and being in an unfamiliar place, I was completely drained by this lawyer (financially and emotionally). Julia never sat down with me to explain a strategy. She did not get back to me yet billed me as if she spent hours replying to me. The times I did speak to her she acted as though she were disinterested or I was an inconvenience. Julia did the bare minimum in not only my opinion but my family and new council. My children were being alienated from me and Julia did nothing except have her receptionist demand another $3,500 from me or else she would not take my call OR meet with me. In desperation for her guidance, I paid and additional $3,500 to replenish my retainer. After she cashed the check she withdrew from my case within 1 week! Her reasoning for withdrawing from my case was because what I was telling her did not coincide with what my soon to be ex was telling her lawyer....well, no kidding?! I was panicked because I had court a few days after I received her motion to withdraw. I appeared in court alone, nervous and unsure fo what to expect. When I was there I saw Julia and she would not even look my way. In court she did not say anything AT ALL on my behalf. Aside from that, she wrote the wrong names on multiple court filed motions on my behalf. I have never been more disappointed in legal representation. I feel ripped off at the most vulnerable time of my life. Please reconsider and take my words to your heart before hiring this attorney to save yourself money, heartache and time!
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Posted by Jennifer | January 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Abandoned Client in Middle of Case.
After meeting with 3 different attorneys for my case I thought I was making the right decision on choosing Julia to represent me. It turned out to be the biggest (and most expensive mistake that I have ever made). After working with Julia on my case for several weeks I suddenly one day out of nowhere received a "Motion to Withdraw" from her assistant. I was confused so I responded to the email asking what this was about and Julia responded that because she thought my case would not go in my favor she was withdrawing. What kind of attorney abandons their client in the middle of a case?? Just because you think you you might not win you quit?! Being that I was her client, you would think she would at least have the decency to talk to me about it first, but no, instead I was treated like a stranger of the opposing party. I had spent a year saving up the $2500 retainer fee which was not easy being a single mother of 2 young children. All I got out of that $2500 was a looming court date with no choice but to represent myself. If an attorney decides that THEY no longer want your case then they should refund your money to you. It seems very unethical to take on a case and then halfway through quit for your own personal reasons and still keep all of the money. By doing this she made it impossible for me to hire another attorney to complete the job that she couldn't. Julia's assistants were always a pleasure to work with and very friendly, but Julia herself is very unprofessional, unethical and very uncaring. I would never recommend her to anyone.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 45 minutes
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.4 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Schwarz & Pucci, LLC
  • 2007 - 2013
  • Assistant State's Attorney
  • County of McHenry
  • 2005 - 2007

Education

  • Saint Louis University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2005
  • Illinois Wesleyan University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2002

Associations

  • Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 40 Lawyers Under 40
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2015
  • Top 40 Lawyers Under 40
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2014
  • Appointed to Family Law Section Council
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • 2012

Publications

  • Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter
  • Are We Creating Monsters? Court Holds Adult Children Lacked Standing to Bring Claim for College Expenses Under 513
  • 2013
  • Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter
  • Trial court’s award of sole custody to father affirmed where father did not request sole custody in any pleading
  • 2013

Speaking Engagements

  • It's Not Just Family Law Anymore
  • Concerns in Geriatric Divorce
  • 2014

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (21)
Endorse Julia
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 12
Relationship: Co-worker
"I have been working with Julia for nearly 5 years and have firsthand witnessed her work in Court and in the office. She is particularly skilled in writing and preparing divorce agreements that are thorough and complete to avoid parties coming back to court every few years to fix up certain parts of the agreement. She is great with clients - she provides an honest opinion to ensure that a client is well-informed of the various outcomes and she is a zealous advocate for the clients. She isn't afraid to be the bulldog that someone needs. She truly is skilled and that is demonstrated in her successful business. We sometimes get referrals from our clients' ex-spouses - that definitely shows that Julia is a fierce advocate and a great attorney to have in your corner if you are going through a divorce or other family issues. She will fight for you zealously. She is greatly respected in our community and it is truly a great experience working with her and seeing how she helps clients."
Family Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"Julia is not your average divorce attorney. She is extremely intelligent and able to connect with her clients, which is an extremely valuable trait in this field. I've worked with Julia for almost 9 years, and during that time I have learned and witnessed that she is an exceptional advocate; clients going through family law matters need a voice, and someone in their corner. Julia fills this role remarkably well. Julia can be any type of attorney that her client needs in his or her case - she is a bulldog when the case needs a bulldog and she is amicable when the case calls for her to be amicable. In addition, Julia is a tough litigator - her skill and presence in the courtroom are unmatched, as is her integrity. As a result, she is a respected member of the legal community. ."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Oct 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Nov 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Julia stands out in the community of attorneys as both an advocate, as well as a mediator. She knows the law, is dedicated to her clients' concerns. When I have clients who need a mediator, Julia is always on the short list."
Family Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Julia is a fair, but tough lawyer. She is thorough and tirelessly advocates for her clients."
Family Attorney | Jul 08
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Child custody Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Avvo Contributions

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West Dundee Divorce and separation Lawyer Julia A. Pucci
Julia A. Pucci
Divorce and separation Attorney
West Dundee, IL
Licensed for 18 years
Free Consultation